The Strokes - The New Abnormal: Album review

The Strokes rarely disappoint and here they are, as brilliant as ever, back with their first new album in seven years.

I first heard of the band in the early 2000s when they released the stomping, sing-along anthem ‘Last Nite’. It had touches of post-punk, garage rock and glam rock.

They’ve kept firmly in that genre throughout their career; but have matured with age and their music sounds more polished than the raw sound of their epic 'Is This It' debut studio album.

The New Abnormal is the New York band’s sixth studio album and was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu and produced by Rick Rubin.

First track, ‘The Adults Are Talking’ and ‘Selfless’ features a more mellow sound from singer Julian Casablancas; whilst ‘Brooklyn Bridge to Chorus’ has a more electronic sound, reminiscent of fellow rockers The Killers.

‘Bad Decisions’ reflects how easily we can be led astray by love, over a progressive rock beat; but ‘Eternal Summer’ was one of my favourite tracks which showcases Casablancas’ incredible vocal range, from falsetto, to commanding, over dreamy instrumental backing.

The album is out now via Cult Records / Columbia.

Reviewed by Zoe Myall